Array of cross point memory cells and methods of forming an array of cross point memory cells

ABSTRACT

A method of forming an array of cross point memory cells comprises using two, and only two, masking steps to collectively pattern within the array spaced lower first lines, spaced upper second lines which cross the first lines, and individual programmable devices between the first lines and the second lines where such cross that have an upwardly open generally U-shape vertical cross-section of programmable material laterally between immediately adjacent of the first lines beneath individual of the upper second lines. Arrays of cross point memory cells independent of method of manufacture are disclosed.

RELATED PATENT DATA

This patent resulted from a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/356,464 filed Mar. 18, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.10,553,587, which is a divisional of U.S. patent Ser. No. 15/151,582filed May 11, 2016, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,269,804, each ofwhich is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein pertain to arrays of cross point memorycells and to methods of forming an array of cross point memory cells.

BACKGROUND

Memory is one type of integrated circuitry, and is used in computersystems for storing data. Memory may be fabricated in one or more arraysof individual memory cells. Memory cells may be written to, or readfrom, using digit lines (which may also be referred to as bit lines,data lines, sense lines, or data/sense lines) and access lines (whichmay also be referred to as word lines). The digit lines may conductivelyinterconnect memory cells along columns of the array and the accesslines may conductively interconnect memory cells along rows of thearray. Each memory cell may be uniquely addressed through thecombination of a digit line and an access line.

Memory cells may be volatile or non-volatile. Non-volatile memory cellscan store data for extended periods of time including when the computeris turned off. Volatile memory dissipates and therefore requires beingrefreshed/rewritten, in many instances multiple times per second.Regardless, memory cells are configured to retain or store memory in atleast two different selectable states. In a binary system, the statesare considered as either a “0” or a “1”. In other systems, at least someindividual memory cells may be configured to store more than two levelsor states of information.

A capacitor is one type of electronic component that may be used in amemory cell. A capacitor has two electrical conductors separated byelectrically insulating material. Energy as an electric field may beelectrostatically stored within such material. One type of capacitor isa ferroelectric capacitor which has ferroelectric material as at leastpart of the insulating material. Ferroelectric materials arecharacterized by having two stable polarized states and thereby cancomprise programmable material of a memory cell. The polarization stateof the ferroelectric material can be changed by application of suitableprogramming voltages, and remains after removal of the programmingvoltage (at least for a time). Each polarization state has a differentcharge-stored capacitance from the other, and which ideally can be usedto write (i.e., store) and read a memory state without reversing thepolarization state until such is desired to be reversed. Less desirable,in some memory having ferroelectric capacitors the act of reading thememory state reverses the polarization. Accordingly, upon determiningthe polarization state, a re-write of the memory cell is conducted toput the memory cell into the pre-read state immediately after itsdetermination. Regardless, a memory cell incorporating a ferroelectriccapacitor ideally is non-volatile due to the bi-stable characteristicsof the ferroelectric material that forms a part of the capacitor. Onetype of memory cell has a select device electrically coupled in serieswith a ferroelectric capacitor.

Another type of non-volatile memory is phase change memory. Such memoryuses a reversibly programmable material that has the property ofswitching between two different phases, for example between an amorphousdisorderly phase and a crystalline or polycrystalline orderly phase. Thetwo phases may be associated with resistivities of significantlydifferent values. Presently, typical phase change materials arechalcogenides, although other materials may be developed. Withchalcogenides, the resistivity may vary by two or more orders ofmagnitude when the material passes between the amorphous (moreresistive) phase and the crystalline (more conductive) phase. Phasechange can be obtained by locally increasing the temperature of thechalcogenide. Below 150° C., both phases are stable. Starting from anamorphous state and rising to temperature above about 400° C., a rapidnucleation of crystallites may occur and, if the material is kept at thecrystallization temperature for a sufficient time, it undergoes a phasechange to become crystalline. Reversion to the amorphous state canresult by raising the temperature above the melting temperature (about600° C.) followed by cooling.

Other reversibly programmable materials for memory cells exist andundoubtedly will be developed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a substrate fragmentcomprising a portion of an array of cross point memory cells inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a predecessor substrate tothat of FIG. 1 in process in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a view of the FIG. 7 substrate at a processing step subsequentto that shown by FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a view of the FIG. 8 substrate at a processing step subsequentto that shown by FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a view of the FIG. 9 substrate at a processing stepsubsequent to that shown by FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a view of the FIG. 10 substrate at a processing stepsubsequent to that shown by FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a view of the FIG. 11 substrate at a processing stepsubsequent to that shown by FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a view of the FIG. 12 substrate at a processing stepsubsequent to that shown by FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the invention encompass an array of cross point memorycells and methods of forming an array of cross point memory cells. FIG.1 shows a small portion of a substrate construction 8 comprising anarray 10 of individual cross point memory cells that has been fabricatedrelative to a base substrate 11. Substrate 11 may comprise any one ormore of conductive (i.e., electrically herein), semiconductive, orinsulative/insulator (i.e., electrically herein) materials. Variousmaterials have been formed elevationally over base substrate 11. In thisdocument, “elevational”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, “above,“below”, “under”, and “beneath” are generally with reference to thevertical direction. “Horizontal” refers to a general direction along aprimary surface relative to which the substrate is processed duringfabrication, and vertical is a direction generally orthogonal thereto.Further, “vertical” and “horizontal” as used herein are generallyperpendicular directions relative one another and independent oforientation of the substrate in three-dimensional space.

Materials may be aside, elevationally inward, or elevationally outwardof the FIG. 1-depicted materials. For example, other partially or whollyfabricated components of integrated circuitry may be provided somewhereabove, about, or within fragment 11. Control and/or other peripheralcircuitry for operating components within the memory array may also befabricated, and may or may not be wholly or partially within a memoryarray or sub-array. Further, multiple sub-arrays may also be fabricatedand operated independently, in tandem, or otherwise relative oneanother. As used in this document, a “sub-array” may also be consideredas an array. Regardless, any of the materials, regions, and structuresdescribed herein may be homogenous or non-homogenous, and regardless maybe continuous or discontinuous over any material which such overlie.Further, unless otherwise stated, each material may be formed using anysuitable or yet-to-be-developed technique, with atomic layer deposition,chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, epitaxial growth,diffusion doping, and ion implanting being examples.

FIG. 1 shows four example memory cell outlines 12A, 12B, 12C, and 12D(also referred to as memory cells 12 collectively and as individualmemory cell[s] 12). Array 10 comprises spaced lower first lines 14 andspaced upper second lines 16 which cross first lines 14, with individualmemory cells 12 being between first lines 14 and second lines 16 wheresuch cross. Reference to “first” and “second” with respect to differentcomponents herein is only for convenience in description in referring todifferent components. Accordingly, unless otherwise indicated, “first”and “second” may be interchanged independent of relative position withinthe finished circuit construction and independent of sequence infabrication. Lines 14 and 16 comprise conductive material, with examplesbeing elemental metals, a mixture or alloy of two or more elementalmetals, conductive metal compounds, and conductively-dopedsemiconductive materials. Lines 14 and 16 may be of the same compositionor of different compositions relative one another. In one embodiment,first lines 14 and second lines 16 angle orthogonally relative oneanother. In one embodiment, lines 14 are access or word lines and lines16 are sense or bit lines. Dielectric material would be betweenindividual memory cells alongside first lines 14, but is not shown inthe figures for clarity.

Individual memory cells 12 comprise a select device 18 and aprogrammable device 20 in series (i.e., electrical) with each other.Example current flow paths 45 for individual memory cells relative tofirst lines 14 and second lines 16 through select device 18 andprogrammable device 20 are shown by way of example. First lines 14 andsecond lines 16 are elevationally otherwise separated by interveninginsulator material 25 (e.g., silicon dioxide and/or silicon nitride).

Any existing or yet-to-be developed select devices may be used, forexample a junction device or a diode. Example diodes include PN diodes,PIN diodes, Schottky diodes, Zener diodes, avalanche diodes, tunneldiodes, diodes having more than three materials,metal-semiconductor-metal based tunnel diodes, threshold switches,chalcogenide based threshold switches, etc. Select device 18 iselectrically coupled to one of second lines 16. Programmable device 20is electrically coupled to select device 18 and one of first lines 14.In one embodiment, select device 18 is directly electrically coupled tothe one second line and in one embodiment programmable device 20 isdirectly electrically coupled to both the one first line 14 and selectdevice 18. In this document, two electronic devices or components are“electrically coupled” to one another if in normal operation electriccurrent is capable of continuously flowing from one to the other, anddoes so predominately by movement of subatomic positive and/or negativecharges when such are sufficiently generated. Another electroniccomponent may be between and electrically coupled to the twoelectrically coupled electronic components or devices. In contrast, whentwo electronic components or devices are referred to as being “directlyelectrically coupled”, no intervening electronic component is betweenthe two directly electrically coupled components or devices.

Individual programmable devices 20 comprise a first electrode 22electrically coupled with (in one embodiment and as shown alsocomprising a portion of) one of first lines 14. A programmable material28 is laterally aside first electrode 22 and the one first line 14. Anyexisting or yet-to-be-developed programmable material may be used, forexample those described in the “Background” section above. In oneembodiment, programmable device 20 is a ferroelectric capacitor withprogrammable material 28 thereby comprising ferroelectric material.Programmable device 20 also includes a second electrode 30 laterallyaside programmable material 28 (in one embodiment directlythere-against) and electrically coupled to select device 18. Anysuitable conductive material(s) may be used for either first or secondelectrodes 22 and 30, with TiN being one example. In one embodiment andas shown, first electrode 22 is part of the one first line 14 wherein noportion thereof projects laterally relative to the one first line 14.

In one embodiment, select device 18 comprises an upwardly openinggenerally U-shape 21 of select device material 19 in a verticalcross-section along its overlying second line (e.g., along thefront-depicted second line 16 in FIG. 1). In the context of thisdocument, a “U-shape” has two stems extending upwardly from a generallyhorizontally (i.e., within 10° of horizontal) interconnecting base, withsuch stems being at least 75° from horizontal. In one embodiment and asshown, select device material 19 is not generally U-shaped in anyvertical cross-section parallel its immediately adjacent first lines 14.In one embodiment, individual ones of the generally U-shaped selectdevice material 19 are shared by two different memory cells along theoverlying second line 16. For example as shown, select device material19 of U-shape 21 between the two left-illustrated first lines 14 isshared by different immediately adjacent memory cells 12A and 12B.Select device material 19 of the generally U-shape 21 between the twofar right-illustrated first lines 14 is shared by different immediatelyadjacent memory cells 12C and 12D. In one such embodiment, individualones of generally U-shaped select device material 19 may be consideredas comprising laterally outer sidewalls 24 which are aside and directlyagainst programmable material 28 of such two immediately adjacent memorycells. Regardless, in one embodiment, a shared electrode 26 is withinindividual ones of generally U-shaped select device material 19 and thatis electrically coupled with the overlying second line 16 and shared bysuch two immediately adjacent memory cells.

In one embodiment, programmable material 28 is laterally between onefirst line 14 and a first line 14 immediately adjacent thereto. In oneembodiment, programmable material 28 comprises an upwardly opengenerally U shape 33 in the vertical cross-section along its overlyingsecond line 16. Individual ones of select device material 19 ofgenerally U-shape 21 are laterally within individual ones ofprogrammable material 28 of generally U-shape 33. In one embodiment,individual ones of generally U-shaped programmable material 28 containtwo physically separated second electrodes 30 of two differentprogrammable devices 20 of immediately adjacent memory cells 12 alongthe overlying second line 16. Insulator material 32 (e.g., silicondioxide and/or silicon nitride) is shown laterally between secondelectrodes 30.

In one embodiment, programmable material 28 is not generally U-shaped inany vertical cross-section parallel its laterally aside one first line14. In one embodiment, programmable material 28 is discontinuous betweenindividual memory cells along the one and immediately adjacent firstlines. In one embodiment, the generally U-shaped programmable material28 has external sidewalls 35 that are directly against longitudinallyelongated sidewalls 37 of the one and immediately adjacent first lines14. In one embodiment, programmable material 28 and select device 18have respective elevationally outermost tops 39 and 41, respectively,that are planar and in one embodiment that are elevationally coincident.In one embodiment, second electrode 30 is directly against anelevationally innermost surface 23 of generally U-shaped select devicematerial 19 in the vertical cross-section along its overlying secondline 16.

FIG. 1 depicts an example embodiment wherein shared electrode 26 doesnot comprise an upwardly open generally U-shape in the verticalcross-section. FIG. 2 shows an example alternate embodiment construction8 a of an array 10 a. Like numerals from the above-described embodimentshave been used where appropriate, with some construction differencesbeing indicated with the suffix “a”. In the FIG. 2 example, sharedelectrode 26 a comprises an upwardly open generally U-shape 47 invertical cross-section along its overlying second line 16. Insulatormaterial 32 a internally fills U-shape 47. Any other attribute(s) oraspect(s) as described above and below, and shown in any Figure, may beused in the FIG. 2 embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows an example alternate embodiment construction 8 b of anarray 10 b. Like numerals from the above-described embodiments have beenused where appropriate, with some construction differences beingindicated with the suffix “b” or with different numerals. In array 10 b,individual ones of generally U-shaped select device material 19 containtwo non-shared electrodes 126 and 226 that are electrically coupled withthe overlying second line 16, and are accordingly not individuallyshared by two immediately adjacent memory cells. Any other attribute(s)or aspect(s) as described above and below, and shown in any Figure, maybe used in the FIG. 3 embodiments.

FIG. 4 shows an example alternate embodiment construction 8 c of anarray 10 c. Like numerals from the above-described embodiments have beenused where appropriate, with some construction differences beingindicated with the suffix “c” or with different numerals. In FIG. 4,select device 18 c does not comprise an upwardly open generally U-shapeof select device material, but rather comprises a generally L-shape 43of select device material 19 in vertical cross-section along itsoverlying second line 16. In the context of this document, an “L-shape”has only a single stem extending upwardly from a generally horizontal(i.e., within 10° of horizontal) base, with such stem being at least 75°from horizontal, and regardless of whether the generally horizontal baseextends laterally to the left or right relative to the stem. In oneembodiment and as shown, a base 55 of L-shape 43 extends laterally froma stem 57 of L-shape 43 laterally away from the one first line 14 of theindividual memory cell 12. In one embodiment and as shown, immediatelyadjacent select devices 18 c between immediately adjacent first lines 14are mirror image in the vertical cross-section along the overlyingsecond line 16. In one embodiment and as shown, an elevationallyinnermost surface 23 of select device material 19 c of L-shape 43 isdirectly against an elevationally outermost surface 59 of secondelectrode 30. Any other attribute(s) or aspect(s) as described above andbelow, and shown in any Figure, may be used in the FIG. 4 embodiments

FIG. 5 shows an example alternate embodiment construction 8 d of anarray 10 d. Like numerals from the above-described embodiments have beenused where appropriate, with some construction differences beingindicated with the suffix “d”. In array 10 d, select device 18 d doesnot comprise any upwardly opening U-shape of select device material 19 din the vertical cross-section along its overlying second line, and inone such embodiment comprises a shared electrode 26 d that iselectrically coupled with the overlying second line 16 and is shared bytwo immediately adjacent memory cells. Any other attribute(s) oraspect(s) as described above and below, and shown in any Figure, may beused in the FIG. 5 embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows an example alternate embodiment construction 8 e of anarray 10 e. Like numerals from the above-described embodiments have beenused where appropriate, with some construction differences beingindicated with the suffix “e”. In array 10 e, select device 18 e doesnot comprise any upwardly opening U-shape of select device material 19 din the vertical cross-section along its overlying second line, and inone such embodiment contains two physically separated second electrodes126, 226 of two different programmable devices of immediately adjacentmemory cells along the overlying second line 16. Any other attribute(s)or aspect(s) as described above and below, and shown in any Figure, maybe used in the FIG. 6 embodiments.

Embodiments of the invention encompass methods of forming an array ofcross point memory cells and example embodiments of which are nextdescribed with reference to FIGS. 7-13. Like numerals from theabove-described embodiments for like materials of construction have beenused where appropriate, with some construction differences beingindicated with different numerals. FIGS. 7-13 show an example embodimentfor fabrication of the FIG. 1 array from a predecessor construction 8.Any of the depicted patternings herein may use masking steps, forexample photolithographic or other patterning masks and, regardless,which may use pitch multiplication.

A method of forming an array of cross-point memory cells in accordancewith an embodiment of the invention comprises using two, and only two,masking steps to collectively pattern within the array spaced lowerfirst lines, spaced upper second lines which cross the first lines, andindividual programmable devices between the first lines and the secondlines where such cross and that have an upwardly open generally U-shapevertical cross-section of programmable material laterally betweenimmediately adjacent of the first lines beneath individual of the uppersecond lines. In one embodiment, select device material is between theprogrammable devices and the upper second lines and the two maskingsteps are used to also pattern the select device material. In oneembodiment, a last of the two masking steps collectively final patternsmaterial of each of the second lines and the individual programmabledevices within the array.

Referring to FIG. 7, conductive material 14 from which the spaced lowerlines will be fabricated and insulator material 25 have been formed overbase substrate 11.

Referring to FIG. 8, a first of the two masking steps has been used topattern first lines 14 and form trenches 50 there-between. By way ofexample, such a masking step may include photolithographic patterningand etch using photoresist (not shown), hard-mask layers (not shown),and/or anti-reflective coatings (not shown) atop insulator material 25to have the same general outline as lines 14, followed by removal ofsuch materials from being over insulator material 25. However, any otherexisting or yet-to-be-developed masking step may be used to produce aconstruction as shown in FIG. 8.

In one embodiment, programmable material of the programmable devices isformed longitudinally alongside the first lines within the trenches. Inone such embodiment, conductive electrode material of the programmabledevices is formed longitudinally along the programmable material. Asexamples, FIG. 9 shows trenches 50 having been lined with programmablematerial 28 of the programmable devices to be formed to less-than-filltrenches 50. The programmable material-lined trenches 50 have then beenlined with conductive electrode material 30 of the programmable devicesto be formed to less-than-fill the programmable material-lined trenches.FIG. 10 shows conductive electrode material 30 having then beenanisotropically etched selectively relatively to programmable material28 and insulator material 25 to form spaced walls 30 of conductiveelectrode material 30 and expose programmable material 28 there-between(e.g., at the bottom of the conductive electrode material-lined trenches50).

Referring to FIG. 11, insulator material 32 has been deposited to fillremaining volume trenches 50. Then, spaced conductive electrode materialwalls 30 have been recessed relative to programmable material 28, as hasbeen insulator material 32.

Referring to FIG. 12, select device material 19 of individual of thememory cells has been formed within the recesses that were formed by theact of elevationally recessing in FIG. 11. Select device material 19comprises upwardly open generally U-shape 21 in vertical cross-sectionorthogonal to first lines 14. Accordingly and in one embodiment,uppermost portions of the programmable material-lined trenches have beenlined with select device material to less-than-fill the uppermostportions of the programmable material-lined trenches. Conductivematerial 26 has then been deposited within the generally U-shape 21 ofselect device material 19, followed by planarizing materials 19 and 26back at least to the elevationally outermost surfaces of insulatormaterial 25.

Referring to FIG. 13, conductive material of upper second lines 16 andan example masking material 17 has been deposited over the substrate ofFIG. 12. Then, masking material 17 has been patterned and used as a maskwhile anisotropically etching conductive material 16 at least toelevationally outermost surfaces of insulator material 32, programmablematerial 28, select device material 19, and conductive electrodematerial 26. Subsequent selective anisotropic etching can then beconducted of materials 32, 28, 19, and 26 relative to insulator material25 and masking material 17 to produce the example construction as shownin FIG. 1. Accordingly, processing shown and just-described with respectto FIGS. 13 and 1 constitutes an example second of the two maskingsteps.

As alternate example method embodiments, the select devicematerial-lined trenches may be lined with conductive electrode material26 to less-than-fill the select device material-lined trenches, forexample to produce the generally upwardly open U-shape 47 as shown withrespect to conductive electrode material 26 a in FIG. 2. Further ifdesired, conductive electrode material 26 a as shown in FIG. 2 and priorto deposition of material 32 a may be anisotropically etched to selectdevice material 19 to form spaced walls 126 and 226 (FIG. 3) ofconductive electrode material and expose select device material 19there-between. Such etching may be conducted selectively relative to theselect device material and whereby etching is not conducted completelythere-through prior to depositing material of the upper second lines,for example to produce a construction as shown in FIG. 3. Alternately,etching may ultimately be completely etched through select devicematerial 19 using spaced walls 126 and 226 as a mask prior to depositingmaterial of the upper second lines, for example to ultimately produce anexample construction as shown in FIG. 4.

CONCLUSION

In some embodiments, a method of forming an array of cross point memorycells comprises using two, and only two, masking steps to collectivelypattern within the array spaced lower first lines, spaced upper secondlines which cross the first lines, and individual programmable devicesbetween the first lines and the second lines where such cross that havean upwardly open generally U-shape vertical cross-section ofprogrammable material laterally between immediately adjacent of thefirst lines beneath individual of the upper second lines.

In some embodiments, an array of cross point memory cells comprisesspaced lower first lines, spaced upper second lines which cross thefirst lines, and an individual memory cell between the first lines andthe second lines where such cross. The individual memory cells comprisea select device and a programmable device in series with each other. Theselect device is electrically coupled to one of the second lines. Theprogrammable device is electrically coupled to the select device and oneof the first lines. The select device comprises an upwardly opengenerally U-shape of select device material in a vertical cross-sectionalong its overlying second line. The programmable device comprises afirst electrode electrically coupled to one of the first lines,programmable material laterally aside the first electrode and the onefirst line, and a second electrode laterally aside the programmablematerial and electrically coupled to the select device.

In some embodiments, an array of cross point memory cells comprisesspaced lower first lines, spaced upper second lines which cross thefirst lines, and an individual memory cell between the first lines andthe second lines where such cross. The individual memory cells comprisea select device and a programmable device in series with each other. Theselect device is electrically coupled to one of the second lines. Theprogrammable device is electrically coupled to the select device and oneof the first lines. The programmable device comprises a first electrodeelectrically coupled to one of the first lines, programmable materiallaterally aside the one first line (the programmable material beinglaterally between the one first line and a first line immediatelyadjacent thereto and comprising an upwardly open generally U-shape in avertical cross-section along its overlying second line), and a secondelectrode laterally aside the programmable material and electricallycoupled to the select device.

In some embodiments, an array of cross point memory cells comprisesspaced lower first lines, spaced upper second lines which cross thefirst lines, and an individual memory cell between the first lines andthe second lines where such cross. The individual memory cells comprisea select device and a programmable device in series with each other. Theselect device is electrically coupled to one of the second lines. Theprogrammable device is electrically coupled to the select device and oneof the first lines. The select device comprises a general L-shape ofselect device material in a vertical cross-section along its overlyingsecond line. The programmable device comprises a first electrodeelectrically coupled to one of the first lines, programmable materiallaterally aside the first electrode and the one first line, and a secondelectrode laterally aside the programmable material and electricallycoupled to the select device.

In compliance with the statute, the subject matter disclosed herein hasbeen described in language more or less specific as to structural andmethodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the claimsare not limited to the specific features shown and described, since themeans herein disclosed comprise example embodiments. The claims are thusto be afforded full scope as literally worded, and to be appropriatelyinterpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An array of cross point memory cellscomprising: spaced lower first lines, spaced upper second lines whichcross the first lines, and an individual memory cell between the firstlines and the second lines where such cross, the individual memory cellscomprising: a select device and a programmable device in series witheach other, the select device being electrically coupled to one of thesecond lines, the programmable device being electrically coupled to theselect device and one of the first lines, the select device comprising ageneral L-shape of select device material in a vertical cross-sectionalong its overlying second line; and the programmable device comprising:a first electrode electrically coupled to one of the first lines;programmable material laterally aside the first electrode and the onefirst line; and a second electrode laterally aside the programmablematerial and electrically coupled to the select device.
 2. The array ofclaim 1 wherein a base of the L-shape extends laterally from a stem ofthe L-shape laterally away from the one first line.
 3. The array ofclaim 1 wherein immediately adjacent select devices between immediatelyadjacent first lines are mirror image in said cross-section.
 4. Thearray of claim 1 wherein the programmable material and the select devicehave respective elevationally outermost planar tops that areelevationally coincident.
 5. The array of claim 1 wherein anelevationally innermost surface of the select device material of L-shapeis directly against an elevationally outermost surface of the secondelectrode.
 6. An array of cross point memory cells comprising: spacedlower first lines, spaced upper second lines which cross the firstlines, and an individual memory cell between the first lines and thesecond lines where such cross, the individual memory cells comprising: aselect device and a programmable device in series with each other, theselect device being electrically coupled to one of the second lines, theprogrammable device being electrically coupled to the select device andone of the first lines; and the programmable device comprising: a firstelectrode electrically coupled to one of the first lines; programmablematerial laterally aside the first electrode and the one first line, theprogrammable material being laterally between the one first line and afirst line immediately adjacent thereto and comprising an upwardly opengenerally U-shape in a vertical cross-section along its overlying secondline; and a second electrode laterally aside the programmable materialand electrically coupled to the select device, wherein individual onesof the generally U-shaped programmable material contain two physicallyseparated of the second electrodes of two different programmable devicesof immediately adjacent memory cells along said overlying second line.7. The array of claim 6 wherein the select device comprises a sharedelectrode that is electrically coupled with said overlying second lineand shared by said two immediately adjacent memory cells.
 8. The arrayof claim 6 wherein the select device comprises a non-shared electrodethat is electrically coupled with said overlying second line and notshared by said two immediately adjacent memory cells.
 9. An array ofcross point memory cells comprising: spaced lower first lines, spacedupper second lines which cross the first lines, and an individual memorycell between the first lines and the second lines where such cross, theindividual memory cells comprising: a select device and a programmabledevice in series with each other, the select device being electricallycoupled to one of the second lines, the programmable device beingelectrically coupled to the select device and one of the first lines;and the programmable device comprising: a first electrode electricallycoupled to one of the first lines; programmable material laterally asidethe first electrode and the one first line, the programmable materialbeing laterally between the one first line and a first line immediatelyadjacent thereto and comprising an upwardly open generally U-shape in avertical cross-section along its overlying second line; and a secondelectrode laterally aside the programmable material and electricallycoupled to the select device, wherein the generally U-shapedprogrammable material has external sidewalls that are directly againstlongitudinally elongated sidewalls of the one and immediately adjacentfirst lines.
 10. The array of claim 9 wherein the programmable materialis discontinuous between individual memory cells along the one andimmediately adjacent first lines.
 11. The array of claim 9 wherein theprogrammable material is not generally U-shaped in any verticalcross-section parallel its laterally aside one first line.